Celebrating Older Americans Month and its 2021 theme: Communities of Strength
This May, Regence joins the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) in its annual observance of Older Americans Month. Recognizing the stress and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s theme, Communities of Strength, is very fitting. This is especially true for our friends, families and neighbors who are at a higher risk of infection and death due to age and health factors. Fortunately, vaccines continue to become more available and help protect those most vulnerable.
As the organization states, “Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties. Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others.” We could not agree more.
“Regence is incredibly proud to support our elders and honored citizens in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington,” says Kathleen Faulk, senior vice president and general manager of government programs at Regence. “In addition to providing community support and resources, we also offer a range of Medicare health plans that provide quality care access, value and peace of mind. Our Medicare members deserve nothing less.”
Our company is proud to support many community partners and nonprofits serving older adults, several of which are listed below. Thank you for joining Regence in supporting and celebrating these organizations and the older adults they serve, both during the month of May and year-round.
Idaho
- Community Action Partnership serves the 10 northernmost counties in Idaho and Asotin County in Washington, working to provide programs that increase stability for people of all ages and initiatives that offer a springboard for families as they become equipped to exit poverty.
- Idaho Commission on Aging oversees six Areas of Aging chapters across the state, which help older adults live independently in their own homes for as long as possible with home health, shopping, escort and transportation services.
- Idaho Foodbank provides low-income older adults with monthly food boxes to supplement their diets with nutritious food as well as helpful recipes.
- Metro Community Services provides assistance to older adults, people with disabilities and financially limited individuals through a variety of human service programs to promote self-sufficiency and to protect dignity, safety and independence.
- Metro Meals on Wheels and its army of volunteers deliver and serve more than 1,500 meals every weekday to senior citizens in Boise and throughout Ada County, and 950 meals every weekend.
Oregon
- Age+ empowers communities of all ages to value and care for older adults, especially those who are isolated, low-income and underserved.
- Bridge Meadows develops and sustains intentional, intergenerational communities for youth formerly in foster care, adoptive families and elders, building place, permanence and shared social purpose one community at a time.
- Catholic Charities provides seniors, caregivers and their families a continuum of services to help support an independent, happy and healthy life.
- Meals on Wheels Oregon enriches the lives of seniors and helps them maintain independence by providing nutritious food, human connections and social support.
- Ride Connection works to provide accessible, responsive transportation alternatives with individuals and community needs.
- Store to Door supports independent living for seniors and adults with disabilities by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service in Portland.
Utah
- Community Nursing Services provides compassionate Home Health and Hospice care to patients and families who have experienced illness or injury.
- Green Urban Lunch Box uses volunteers to build, cultivate and maintain organic gardens in older adults’ backyards at no cost to the senior.
- Utah Food Bank provides low-income older adults with monthly food boxes to supplement their diets with nutritious food as well as helpful recipes.
Washington
- Associated Recreation Council serves Seattle by offering a variety of recreational and lifelong learning programs, classes and activities.
- Community Action of Skagit Co. offers support and direct services for older adults such as housekeeping, meals, yard work, transportation and minor home repair.
- Habitat for Humanity assists older adults with repair and maintaining their homes by providing critical health, safety and accessibility solutions.
- Sound Generations supports people on their aging journey through community connections and accessible services.